Final answer:
The characteristic symptoms of metabolic syndrome are insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, contributing to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question regarding the group of symptoms characteristic of the metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes several risk factors such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and low blood HDL levels. This syndrome greatly increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.